REFRACTIVE ERROR AND ITS TYPES

DEFINITION

Refractive error is an issue that affects vision when the eye fails to focus light onto the retina causing blurry vision. It can occur in people of all ages. Is usually caused by irregularities, in the shape of the eye or the curvature of the cornea, which hinders light from focusing on the retina

TYPES OF REFRACTIVE ERROR

The most commonly encountered types of refractive errors are as follows;

 

1. Nearsightedness (Myopia); In cases of myopia, distant objects may appear blurry while close-up objects are usually seen clearly. This happens because either the eye is longer than usual or the cornea is steeper, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

 

2. Farsightedness (Hyperopia); Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. With hyperopia, close-up objects may appear blurry, but distant objects can generally be seen more clearly. This occurs when the eye is shorter than average or the cornea is flatter, causing light to focus behind the retina.

 

3. Astigmatism; Astigmatism arises when either the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, resulting in uneven light focusing on the retina. This can lead to distorted or blurred vision at any distance.

TREATMENT OF REFRACTIVE ERROR

 Refractive defects can frequently be repaired with the aid of spectacles or contact lenses, which help bend incoming light to make up for the flaws in the eye and enable good vision. In some circumstances, refractive defects can also be corrected surgically using techniques like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), which reshape the cornea to enhance visual acuity.

To identify and correct refractive errors, it is critical to undergo routine eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If untreated, these conditions can negatively impact the quality of life and general eye health.